An Experimental Study in Generative Music for Exercising to Ease Perceived Exertion by use of Heart Beat Rate as a Control Parameter

This paper investigates whether generative music, adapted to a user's heart beat rate, can be used to ease the perceived exertion. A generative system was implemented and tested on 13 test participants in a controlled environment on a training bike. The test participants performed a cycling workout of three minutes in two conditions in a self-chosen pace, with and without music. Their pulse were used as the physiological exertion. The perceived exertion was rated by the test participants according to Borg’s 6-20 exertion scale. Five out of 13 participants showed indications supporting the notion, while 2 out of 13 indicated the opposite. 6 out of 13 participants neither showed indications supporting nor opposing the theory. The results could be useful for exercises, where the change of heart pulse is gradual, but further work is needed in cadance-based exercises.